On this first day, the 43 auditors were welcomed by Emmanuel Aubry, Prefect of the Sarthe, who presented the State's action and wished them every success for the next four weeks. Jean-Michel Delvert, Deputy Prefect and Director of the Regional and Specialised Activities Department, representing Lieutenant General Hervé de Courrèges, Director of the IHEDN, then opened the session. This introduction was followed by a speech by Brigadier General Guillaume Couëtoux, representing the General Officer of the Western Defence and Security Zone (OGZDS Ouest), and a detailed presentation of the programme by the IHEDN and OGZDS Ouest teams.
On the programme for the day: a comprehensive overview of national defence, followed by an overview of international relations in the context of the contemporary world, before listeners discover the work of the committees.
The spirit of defence, an essential pillar of the nation, must be promoted and disseminated throughout the Republic, a mission at the heart of the IHEDN's commitments.
